THREE-TIME British flat racing champion and regular Salisbury rider Richard Hughes is retiring from the saddle earlier than anticipated after an illustrious career spanning 27 years.

The 42-year-old jockey was originally set to step down from the reins at the end of the season but training duties have hastened to bring his retirement forward.

Hughes, UK winner in 2012, 2013 and 2014, will make hist last ever ride on the final day of Glorious Goodwood on Saturday, August 1.

But his last Salisbury ride, a course he has amassed 171 winners from 860 rides, could be on Saturday.

Clerk of the course and executive director Jeremy Martin is hopeful Hughes will be present before he embarks on his training career at his new base in Stockbridge.

Talking ahead of the Evening Racing at the Netherhampton course, Martin said: “We won’t know until 10.30am on Thursday if Richard will be riding, when final declarations are made. We hope so, but whatever happens, he has been an outstanding ambassador and good friend of the course. We look forward to welcoming him back with his first runners as a trainer before too long."

Racing at Salisbury on Saturday is a seven-race card starting at 5.15pm.

Gates open at 3pm.

The last race at 8.15pm is followed by live music as The Chapel Does Salisbury Races.

For more details, visit www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk or call 01722 326461.